The world’s finest golf players have evolved from this event. One of the most spirited and talented occasions in sports history.
It’s not just another golf competition, it’s a moment where talented and passionate players come together to represent the U.S. and Europe in an intense rivalry game, it’s the Ryder Cup.
Every two years, the Ryder Cup creates a team of twelve zealous players from the United States and Europe to play in a three day match. Exhibiting a fierce world class golf tournament, the Ryder Cup has become a superior event on many’s sport calendars.
This year the event took place at the Bethpage Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York this Friday, Sept. 26, to Sunday, Sept. 28. The exhilarating process of this event ended up in Europe winning over the USA this year.
Mark Schlabach the author of the article, What is the Ryder Cup? 2025 format, teams, all-time winners, discussed in his article covering the Ryder Cup how Team Europe’s masters champion Rory McIlroy took charge in the tournament and taunted the crowd with, “leading chants of “Olé, Olé, Olé!” with his arms raised and a European flag draped over his shoulders.”
McIlroy received so much misuse from New York fans at the 45th Ryder Cup that when this week of events was over he felt like he could finally breathe, especially since the Europeans survived the Americans’ intense match in a 15-13 victory.
With a consistent feud between these two countries this rivalry dates back all the way to 1926 between Great Britain, Ireland and the United States. The constant back and forth wins of the Americans and Europeans highlights this game has been a central piece in golf history.
The man whose name is within this superior game is called Sam Ryder. Ryder only started playing golf to get out in nature and fresh air. His friend suggested that he try a new sport during his recovery journey and that’s where he became obsessed with the game. In 1926 he created his first golf team, England v Scotland, that gained much popularity.
This event took off and received much attention. The Europeans winning the first ever game started this rivalry and soon enough the Americans gained their first win the following year.
During this era World War Two arose and caused the event to take a pause for ten years. Following the death of Sam Ryder the tournament nearly went to an end until Robert Hudson agreed to fund the event in his hometown of Portland.
Funding the British team travel requests Hudson, “welcomed them with extravagant pre-match hospitality and paid for their housing and meals. With just three players from the previous tournament the British team lost 11-1,” exerted from the golftraveller.
With this historic rivalry the game can also be perceived as inspiring younger players to learn the importance of teamwork and lessons from the Ryder Cup. The younger audience can take in these lessons and apply them to their own game and life.
Cathedral’s very own golf team coach, Mr. Filippone, shared his viewpoints on how the Ryder Cup can influence younger golf players, inspire teamwork and create valuable lessons to be learned. The Ryder Cup is a very teamwork oriented program and many players can learn from this. He shared, “The Ryder Cup has many different strategies used such as teamwork and game plans. Bonding within our team helps with bigger tournaments such as Champions and CIF, we use our bond as an advantage. Strategically go through every course and hole together.”
Golf being a very independent sport requires so much mental help and strength. Working as a team to fulfill these challenges creates such an irreplaceable bond between the players. Connecting not only the physical aspect of the game but also the challenges of the mental blocks.
Mr. Filippone saw this example of pressure from the Ryder Cup and how it can relate back to his own players, handling that kind of stress on the field. “Our team works on the mental aspect. We use CCHS resources and focus on the mental game rather than the physical part. Approaching every shot with a positive outlook,” shared Mr. Filippone.
This huge event not only entertains us but also can teach pursuing players to understand the challenges that come with the game, inspiring those to work on their mental and physical abilities. Mr. Filippone commented saying, “the team keeps it tight. We’re prepared. I don’t ask for much. I try to keep it positive and not let any criticism get to their heads. Clear their headspace, the next shot is the best shot.”
The Ryder Cup isn’t just an intense match of an ongoing rivalry. It’s a symbol of passion and teamwork, inspiring many players and fans. From the beginning this event has created a legacy that many enjoy to watch every other year, looking forward to an unpredictable scoreboard.
As Mr. Filippone explained, the lessons of strategy, teamwork and unity can be seen from professional players and expressed to inspiring athletes. With each match the Ryder Cup illustrates a world of rivalry, teamwork and unity to its viewers and players.
